Music therapy beneficial for dementia patients

Caregiver to Caregiver

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By Ruth Johnson / Special to the Times-News

Published: Friday, January 25, 2013 at 12:34 PM.

Dear Caregiver to Caregiver: Do you have any suggestions for using music to help my dad as he copes with dementia? He used to love singing in the church choir. Thanks. — Joanna Dear Joanna: Music, I believe, is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. There are more than 1,000 references to music in the Bible. Music can soothe a weary soul, rejuvenate a broken spirit, invoke vivid memories (both pleasant and sad); and speak to our hearts when words alone fail. Mamas calm restless babies with lullabies. No birthday party would be complete without singing “Happy Birthday.” Teachers use tunes to help their students learn the ABC’s. It would be quite unusual to celebrate a wedding or conduct a funeral without music. A genre of music is available for every taste and with modern technology, music is never more than a click away. We never outgrow our desire and need for a melodious life-accompanying soundtrack. Studies have shown that music and music therapy provide beneficial effects for patients with dementia in the areas of cognitive function, social skills and behavior (reduced agitation), as well as an enhanced quality of life for both the patient and caregiver. According to research at Willamette University in Oregon, patients exhibited significant improvements in speech content and fluency following only eight music therapy sessions. The Alzheimer’s Association acknowledges that music therapy provides enriching benefits. One of these is the stirring of long-ago memories, which is a common result of listening to music that was popular during the patient’s youth. For those who are in their 80s, Glenn Miller or Lawrence Welk may be the music of choice. Our response to music is not just sentimental. A study at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine found that music therapy led to increased secretions of melatonin, a hormone associated with mood regulation, lower aggression, reduced depression and enhanced sleep. Joanna, I think it’s a great idea to use music as part of your dad’s care. I referred your question to Hilary Lee, a certified musical therapist, who has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University. She suggested the following: Allow your dad to choose the music. If he is unable to do so, select what you think he would like best, not your personal preference. Did his choir make any recordings? If not, try to find his favorite songs by other artists. Encourage your dad to sing along. Don’t play music all the time; it becomes background and ineffective. Make music times special times, and don’t forget the impact of “the sound of silence.” If the music revives memories, take time to discuss these with your dad. This may also be a good time to bring out the photo albums. Encourage your dad to move to the music: clap, raise arms, wiggle fingers, lift feet up and down or back and forth. Your dad’s enjoyment will be increased as he moves or sways to the music. Hilary also invited me to attend one of her music therapy sessions at Clare Bridge of Burlington Manor. It was a most enjoyable musical trip down memory lane. Next week, I will recount the gathering and share more of Hilary’s techniques for using music to enrich the quality of care you provide.

Ruth Johnson is a native of Burlington and has more than 12 years experience, both personally and professionally, as a caregiver. Send your questions, caring tips and comments to rj@caregivertocaregiver.info or by mail at “Caregiver to Caregiver,” P.O. Box 125, Alamance, N.C. 27201-0125.

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Dear Caregiver to Caregiver: Do you have any suggestions for using music to help my dad as he copes with dementia? He used to love singing in the church choir. Thanks. — Joanna
Dear Joanna: Music, I believe, is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. There are more than 1,000 references to music in the Bible.
Music can soothe a weary soul, rejuvenate a broken spirit, invoke vivid memories (both pleasant and sad); and speak to our hearts when words alone fail. Mamas calm restless babies with lullabies. No birthday party would be complete without singing “Happy Birthday.”
Teachers use tunes to help their students learn the ABC’s. It would be quite unusual to celebrate a wedding or conduct a funeral without music. A genre of music is available for every taste and with modern technology, music is never more than a click away. We never outgrow our desire and need for a melodious life-accompanying soundtrack.
Studies have shown that music and music therapy provide beneficial effects for patients with dementia in the areas of cognitive function, social skills and behavior (reduced agitation), as well as an enhanced quality of life for both the patient and caregiver.
According to research at Willamette University in Oregon, patients exhibited significant improvements in speech content and fluency following only eight music therapy sessions.
The Alzheimer’s Association acknowledges that music therapy provides enriching benefits. One of these is the stirring of long-ago memories, which is a common result of listening to music that was popular during the patient’s youth. For those who are in their 80s, Glenn Miller or Lawrence Welk may be the music of choice.
Our response to music is not just sentimental. A study at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine found that music therapy led to increased secretions of melatonin, a hormone associated with mood regulation, lower aggression, reduced depression and enhanced sleep.
Joanna, I think it’s a great idea to use music as part of your dad’s care. I referred your question to Hilary Lee, a certified musical therapist, who has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University. She suggested the following:
Allow your dad to choose the music. If he is unable to do so, select what you think he would like best, not your personal preference. Did his choir make any recordings? If not, try to find his favorite songs by other artists. Encourage your dad to sing along.
Don’t play music all the time; it becomes background and ineffective. Make music times special times, and don’t forget the impact of “the sound of silence.”
If the music revives memories, take time to discuss these with your dad. This may also be a good time to bring out the photo albums.
Encourage your dad to move to the music: clap, raise arms, wiggle fingers, lift feet up and down or back and forth. Your dad’s enjoyment will be increased as he moves or sways to the music.
Hilary also invited me to attend one of her music therapy sessions at Clare Bridge of Burlington Manor. It was a most enjoyable musical trip down memory lane.
Next week, I will recount the gathering and share more of Hilary’s techniques for using music to enrich the quality of care you provide.

Ruth Johnson is a native of Burlington and has more than 12 years experience, both personally and professionally, as a caregiver. Send your questions, caring tips and comments to rj@caregivertocaregiver.info or by mail at “Caregiver to Caregiver,” P.O. Box 125, Alamance, N.C. 27201-0125.